IAG, MAS, and Qatar Set 2025 Launch for Cargo JV
International Airlines Group (IAG), Malaysia Airlines (MAS), and Qatar Airways have revealed new details about their upcoming air cargo joint venture (JV), which is expected to launch by late 2025. The strategic partnership, first announced in April, aims to establish a globally coordinated cargo network by integrating route planning, systems, and commercial services across the three carriers.
The venture will involve IAG Cargo—representing British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, LEVEL, and Vueling—along with MASkargo and Qatar Airways Cargo. According to a joint statement released on June 2, the goal is to create “unparalleled connectivity for customers across the global airfreight market,” supported by increased operational agility and digital integration. The deal remains subject to multiple regulatory approvals from governments across the regions involved.
The partnership will initially focus on key cargo markets in the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, India, Europe, and the Americas, with plans to expand into additional regions in future phases. The carriers said they are actively working to align systems, commercial offerings, and operational processes to ensure a seamless rollout. Key benefits expected include streamlined products, enhanced digital tools, coordinated trucking and ground handling services, and a unified loyalty offering.
All three airlines are members of the Oneworld alliance, and the cargo joint venture is expected to be one of the most integrated collaborations in the sector. IAG Cargo CEO David Shepherd emphasized that the JV will create a “single network” that offers more efficient and reliable cargo services than traditional interline agreements, unlocking new global commercial opportunities. He called the collaboration a “milestone in air cargo logistics.”
MASkargo CEO Mark Jason Thomas echoed this sentiment, stating that the partnership is not just about network expansion but also about “transforming how cargo moves worldwide.” Traditionally focused on connecting Asia to global markets, MASkargo sees this JV as a major leap toward a more comprehensive cargo presence.
Qatar Airways Cargo brings substantial resources to the table, including a dedicated fleet of 28 Boeing 777 freighters and belly hold capacity across 230 passenger aircraft. Its cargo network spans over 60 dedicated freighter routes and reaches 170 destinations via passenger flights. Meanwhile, IAG Cargo operates without freighters, relying on the belly space of 601 passenger aircraft. MASkargo similarly utilizes belly capacity across a network of over 100 destinations and manages cargo terminals at 11 airports in Malaysia.
As part of their commitment to social impact, each airline will sign individual agreements with the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) and collectively offer 1,000 metric tons of free cargo space to support humanitarian food supply deliveries.
The companies stated they will continue to share updates as the joint business approaches its official launch in late 2025. If regulatory approvals proceed on schedule, the IAG–MAS–Qatar JV could become a transformative force in the global air cargo industry.
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